BPA in Store Receipts

Another study has shown that the toxin bisphenol-A, is still being found in register receipts from various stores. Bisphenol-A is an endocrine disruptor which has been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, early puberty in kids, and sexual dysfunction. YOU are exposed to it more often than you think.

Bisphenol-A(BPA)is mainly used as a hardener for plastics. However, it's also found in some canned foods and cash register receipts. Try to limit you exposure to these items and buy BPA free plastics/products. Make sure you are using BPA free water and baby bottles and throw out any old, cloudy, or visibly worn plastics.

Check out the links below for some articles and tips.

Have a great week and remember every little bit helps!

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-bpa-on-money-20101208,0,1735042.story

http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/ewg-lab-tests-confirm-bpa-customer-receipts

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Another Lead Alert!

California Watchdog Group is once again warning about lead found in various products from several different companies. Check out the rest of the story to see who the offenders are, and for a list of some products that tested safe.

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/11/29/california-watchdog-group-finds-lead-in-toys-jewelry-and-other/?icid=maing|main5|8|link4|28313

Have a great week!

And remember...every little bit helps!
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Five Ways for a Greener Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Year after year, consumers throw away countless amounts of money on the holidays. By cutting back on needless spending, we can help animals, the environment, our health, and our wallets.

1. Don't buy disposable plates, cups, plastic ware, etc. Use the real thing if you can. Yes, it is a little more work, but well worth it.

2. Try a vegetarian Thanksgiving feast! Turkeys, and your body, will be saying, "Thank You!"

3. Buy foods that are local and organic. Don't forget the reusable shopping bags!

4. Shut off oven 5 minutes early and let the built up heat finish cooking the food.

5. Have your Thanksgiving dinner by candlelight.

Remember...every little bit helps!
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Lead in Reusable Shopping Bags

Recent tests have shown questionable amounts of lead in the bags we use as we try to help the environment. A few supermarkets have even stopped carrying some of these bags. There seems to be a lot of mixed views on this one. Once again, we try to take a step forward, and just go right on back! When will they test products for safety BEFORE, they hit the shelves?

More info in the links below.

Don't forget to wash those bags, too!

And remember, a little green always helps!

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2010-11-15-toxicbags15_st_N.htm

http://www.latimes.com/sns-ap-us-lead-in-bags,0,5831333.story

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/consumer&id=7790380


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HALLOWEEN CANDY RECALL 10/27/2010

Here's a real scare for you-recalled candy days before Halloween! Be sure to check the candy you are giving out and any candy your child, or you, might receive.

Mega Pops Lollipops, Nestle Raisinets and Hershey York pieces were recalled this week due to consumer complaints. These complaints have prompted testing of the candy and thus, the recall.

The lollipops may contain "minute traces" of stainless steel. Only certain lots were recalled of the cherry, grape, orange and watermelon flavors in 14 and 28 ounce cellophane bags. You can call 1-888-317-3686 with any questions.

The Raisinets may have undeclared peanuts in them. However, it states on the bag that they are processed on equipment that also processes peanuts. The recalled product is the Raisinets Fun Size 10 ounce bags bought from Don Quixote, Shop Rite and Target stores. You can call Nestle Consumer Services directly 1-800-478-5670 for more info.

Hershey has also issued a recall on their 5 ounce bags of bite size York pieces. There is the possibility of small pieces of metal in the product. Call Hershey Consumer Relations at 1-800-468-1714 for additional info.

Last, but not least, Hyland's Teething Tablets have been voluntarily recalled. Check the following link for more info http://www.hylands.com/news/hylands-teething-recall.php.

Hopefully that is it!

Remember...every little bit helps!

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Five Ways to Teach Your Kids to be Green

Since my daughter was old enough to understand, I have been teaching her about respecting the environment. I try to have little "green" moments with her. Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than positively inspiring others, and my daughter feels great about herself too!

1. Teach children to turn off the faucet when washing hands and brushing teeth.

2. Remind them to turn off lights, TV, and other electronics when not using them.

3. Have your child help you recycle or compost.

4. Show your child that second-hand items can be just as good as the new ones. Buy used, or donate unwanted items of your own.

5. Before leaving the park with your child, pick up a few pieces of litter. It is amazing how this good deed seems to rub off on other parents and their kids!

And remember...every little bits helps!

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Lead Alert!

I came across this info by The Environmental Law Foundation last summer and thought I would share it with you. Lead in our food and drinks. It just proves that you have to do your homework on everything! Read more about it at http://www.envirolaw.org/currentcases.html. Below is the list of tested products.

See you next week.

And remember...a little green always helps!

APPLE JUICE
For the following products, ONE or MORE samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Beech Nut 100% Apple Juice

Earth's Best Organics Apple Juice

First Street 100% Apple Cider from concentrate

First Street Apple Juice from concentrate 100% juice

Full Circle Organic Apple Juice

Gerber 100% Juice Apple Juice

Great Value 100% No Sugar Added Apple Juice

Hansen's Natural Apple Juice

Kroger 100% Juice Apple Juice

Langers Apple Juice 100% Juice

Minute Maid Juice Apple - 100% Apple Juice

Motts 100% Apple Juice

O Organics Organic Unfiltered Apple Juice Not From Concentrate

Old Orchard 100% Apple Juice

Parade 100% Juice Apple

Raley's Premium 100% Apple Juice not from Concentrate

Safeway 100% Juice Apple Cider

Safeway 100% Juice Apple Juice

Stater Bros. 100% Juice Apple Juice

Sunny Select 100% Apple Juice

Trader Joe's Certified Organic Apple Juice, pasteurized

Tree Top 100% Juice Apple Cider

Walgreens Apple Juice from concentrate 100% juice

Walnut Grove Market 100% Apple Juice

For the following products, NO samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Great Value 100% Apple Juice not from concentrate

Harvest Day 100% Apple Juice from Concentrate

Kirkland Fresh Pressed Apple Juice Pasteurized

Martinelli's Gold Medal Apple Juice 100% pure from US grown fresh apples

R.W. Knudsen Organic Apple Juice unfiltered

Raley's Everyday 100% Apple Juice

Sunny Select 100% Unfiltered Apple Juice

Trader Joe's Fresh Pressed Apple Juice all natural pasteurized, 100% juice

Tree Top 100% Apple Juice

Tree Top Three Apple Blend 100% Fresh Pressed Juice

GRAPE JUICE
For the following products, ONE or MORE samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

365 Everyday Value Organic 100% Juice Concord Grapes

First Street Grape Juice from concentrate 100% juice

Gerber 100% Juice - White Grape Juice

Great Value 100% Grape Juice

Kedem Concord Grape Juice 100% pure grape juice

Kroger Grape Juice 100% Juice

Langers Grape Juice (Concord)

Langers Red Grape Juice

O Organics Organic Grape Juice from concentrate

R.W. Knudsen Just Concord Grape Juice

R.W. Knudsen Organic Just Concord

Raley's 100% Grape Juice

Safeway 100% Juice Grape Juice

Safeway Organic Grape Juice

Santa Cruz Organic Concord Grape Juice

Stater Bros. 100% Juice Grape Juice

Stater Bros. 100% Juice White Grape Juice

Sunny Select 100% Grape Juice

Trader Joe's Concord Grape Juice made from fresh pressed organic concord grapes

Tree Top 100% Juice, Grape

Valu Time Grape Drink from Concentrate

Walgreens Grape Juice from concentrate 100% juice

Walnut Acres Organic Concord Grape

Walnut Grove Market Grape Juice

Welch's 100% Grape Juice (from Welch's Concord Grapes)

Welch's 100% Red Grape Juice from Concentrate

For the following products, NO samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Old Orchard Healthy Balance Grape

PACKAGED PEARS
For the following products, ONE or MORE samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Best Yet Bartlett Pear Halves in Heavy Syrup

Del Monte Diced Pears in Light Syrup

Del Monte Pear Halves in Heavy Syrup

Del Monte Pear Halves, Bartlett Pears in 100% real fruit juice from concentrate

Dole Pear Halves in Juice

First Street Diced Pears

First Street Sliced Bartlett

Full Circle Organic Bartlett Pear Slices

Gerber 3rd Foods Pears [Baby Food]

Great Value Bartlett Pear Halves in 100% Juice

Great Value Bartlett Sliced Pears in Heavy Syrup

Market Pantry Diced Pears in Light syrup

Maxx Value Pear Pieces in Light Syrup

Polar Pear Halves in light syrup

S&W Natural Style Pear Slices in Juice

S&W Sun Pears Premium

Safeway Lite Bartlett Pear Halves in Pear Juice

Safeway Pear Halves in Light Juice

Sunny Select Pear Halves in Pear Juice

Trader Joe's Pear Halves in white grape juice

Truitt Brothers Pacific NorthWest Bartlett Pear Halves, in pear juice from concentrate

Valu Time Irregular Bartlett Pear Slices

Walnut Grove Market Natural Pear Halves in Heavy Syrup

For the following products, NO samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Eating Right Kids Diced Pears Fruit Cups

Stater Bros. Diced Pears Snack Bowl

PACKAGED PEACHES
For the following products,ONE or MORE samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Best Yet Yellow Cling Peach Halves in Heavy Syrup

Del Monte Freestone Peach Slices in 100 % Juice

Del Monte Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches in 100 % Juice

Del Monte Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches in heavy syrup

Dole Diced Peaches, Yellow Cling in light syrup

First Street Yellow Cling Peaches in heavy syrup

Gerber 3rd Foods Peaches [Baby Food]

Golden Star Peach Halves in Heavy Syrup

Great Value Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches

Libby's Yellow Cling Peach Slices No Sugar Added (Sweetened with Splenda)

Market Pantry Diced Peaches in light syrup

Polar Peach Slices

Raley's Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches in Heavy Syrup

S&W Natural Style Yellow Cling Peach Slices in Lightly Sweetened Juice

S&W Premium Peach Halves Yellow Cling Peaches in light syrup

Safeway Diced Peaches in Light Syrup

Safeway Yellow Cling Peach Slices in Pear Juice

Simple Value Yellow Cling Peaches in light syrup

Stater Bros. Yellow Cling Peach Halves

Stater Bros. Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in heavy syrup

Sunny Select Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Pear Juice

Trader Joe's Yellow Cling Peach Halves in while grape juice

Valu Time Yellow Cling Peach Slices

Walnut Grove Market Natural Peaches Sliced Yellow Cling in Light Syrup

For the following products, NO samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Dole Diced Peaches, Cling in Light Syrup

Dole Diced Peaches, Freestone in Light Syrup

Dole Sliced Peaches

Eating Right Kids Diced Peaches in Extra Light Syrup

Stater Bros. Diced Peaches Snack Bowl

FRUIT COCKTAIL
For the following products, ONE or MORE samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Best Yet Chunky Mixed Fruit in Pear Juice

Chef's Review Fruit Cocktail

Del Monte 100% Juice Fruit Cocktail

Del Monte Chunky Mixed Fruit in 100 % Juice (peach, pear, grape, etc.)

Del Monte Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup (peach, pear, grapes)

Del Monte Fruit Cocktail No Sugar Added

Del Monte Lite Fruit Cocktail in Extra Light Syrup

Dole Mixed Fruit in Light Syrup

Eating Right Fruit Cocktail packed in Sucralose

Eating Right No Sugar Fruit Cocktail

First Street Fruit Cocktail in heavy syrup

Golden Star Mixed Fruit in Light Syrup (peach, pineapple, pears)

Great Value No Sugar Added Fruit Cocktail

Kroger Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup

Kroger Lite Fruit Cocktail in Pear Juice

Kroger Value Fruit Mix (Peaches, pears, grapes)

Libby's Fruit Cocktail No Sugar Added (Sweetened with Splenda)

Market Pantry Mixed Fruit in light syrup

Maxx Value Fruit Mix in Light Syrup (peach, pear, grape)

Mrs. Brown's Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup (peaches, pears, grapes)

Polar Mixed Fruit

Raley's Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup

S&W Natural Style Fruit Cocktail in Lightly Sweetened Juice

Safeway Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup

Safeway Light Sugar Fruit Cocktail

Safeway Lite Fruit Cocktail in Pear Juice

Stater Bros. Fruit Cocktail in Heavy Syrup

Sunny Select Fruit Cocktail in Juice

For the following products, NO samples exceeded the Prop 65 limit of 0.5 micrograms of lead per serving:

Del Monte Mixed Fruit

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Meet My Best Friend, Vinegar!

Yes, you read it right. It's my "miracle product." It is safe, natural, and can be used for a variety of things. Vinegar can be used for cooking, cleaning, gardening, pets and home remedies. Recent studies show it even helps control diabetes. I don't know how I ever survived without it!

During the course of my quest to make our lives chemical-free, I came across several articles on vinegar. So many people swore up-and-down about its effectiveness that I was aching to try it. I have to say that it was one of the smartest choices I have ever made!

Now I know what some of you are thinking. Vinegar reaks! Yes, it does. I, just think how safe and effective it is. You can try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to help with the smell.

Vinegar is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, economical, and has multiple uses! It will replace most of the cleaners under your sink and cost you very little. I use it so much that I have broken the handle on my spray bottle again!

Below are some uses for vinegar.

And remember...every little bit helps!

wdv=white distilled vinegar

COOKING-Keep boiling eggs from cracking-add tbsp or 2 of wdv to water before it boils.

GARDEN-Kill weeds/grass-pour full-strength wdv on them.
Rust on spigots,tools,screws,bolts-soak overnight or several days in undiluted wdv.

CLEANING-Clean counters w/cloth soaked in undiluted wdv.
Kill germs around bathroom-spray full-strength wdv. Wipe clean w/damp cloth.
Window cleaner-combine equal parts vinegar & water. Clean as usual.
Clean/disinfect baby toys-add good-sized splash of wdv to soapy water.

LAUNDRY-Sweat, odor, deodorant & stains on clothing-spray full-strength wdv on underarm & collar before washing.

HEALTH/BEAUTY-Stop insect stings/bites from itching-dab w/cotton ball soaked w/ undiluted wdv.
Make nail polish last longer. Wipe fingernails w/cotton balls dipped in wdv before putting on nail polish.

AUTOS-Polish car chrome w/full-strength wdv on soft cloth.
Remove odor after a rider has been carsick-leave bowl of wdv overnight on floor.

PETS-Dog scratching ears-wipe insides w/cloth dipped in diluted vinegar.
Cats eating plants-spray leaves w/a solution of wdv & water.
Read more...

How to Have a Safer, Chemical-Free Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

As another Halloween rolls around, I want to talk about the monsters out there, lurking in your costumes and decorations. Try buying and using products that are safer for you, and kinder on the environment. Below are some things you can do to make Halloween fun and safe for your family.

1. When you think about costumes, think about the three R's. Use the same outfit from before. Trade with someone. Look for websites, or throw your own swapping party. Resell it on E-bay. Not only is it good for the environment, it's good for the wallet, too! You can even try making your own out of earth-friendly goods.

2. Opt for safer or homemade face paint/make-up. Face paints usually contain lead, nickel, cobalt or chromium. Nail polish, lipstick, eyeshadow, powders and fragrances are all harmful, too.

3. Don't wear synthetic masks or teeth. You don't always know what you are wearing-even if there is a label. Most likely, you are wearing something toxic. Have you ever noticed that awful smell when you put a mask on? Ever wonder what it is you have been inhaling the whole night? Fake teeth may contain BPA-a toxin found in many plastics.

4. Ditch the colored hairsprays. The toxic fumes can easily be inhaled. Buy eco-friendly candles. Regular ones can give off toxic fumes and are bad for the environment.

5. Decorate naturally. Use nature's gifts to decorate your home! There is an endless assortment of things you can create with fruits, veggies, leaves and rocks.

6. Use energy efficient LED lights.

7. Planning or going to a party? Skip the disposable dinnerware and use the real thing. You can also use compostable products, if you must.

8. Give out healthy treats instead of candy. Or, opt for sugar-free candy.

9. Instead of trick-or-treating for candy, do it for a charity.

And remember...every little bit helps!
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What Are You "WIPING" on Your Baby's Bottom?

Does your child have redness or diaper rash? It might be time to ditch those harmful wipes for something more safe, gentle and environmentally friendly. Even if there is no sign of irritation, you will be doing the best thing for your baby. Don't forget to change the diapers, too!

Back when I was pregnant, I took one of those baby classes at the hospital. I remember the instructor saying that baby wipes should have nothing in them but water. Have you ever read what IS in them?

Baby wipes often contain harsh chemicals like alcohol, chlorine, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance, parabens, tetrasodium EDTA and DMDM hydantoin. Studies show that each of these ingredients can be irritating to the skin or even toxic to our health. Even the "sensitive" wipes contain some of these chemicals. Your baby might not get an irritated bum, but the chemicals are absorbing into their skin, doing who knows what.

If you want to go more natural, research the web, or better yet, try making your own homemade wipes. When my daughter is at home and not on the potty, I use a stack of old washcloths and water to clean her pee. Currently, I clean her poopy bottom with Walgreen's Renew Naturals wipes. They still are not the best out there, but it is the best my budget can afford. (See my full review on the reviews page.)

Every little bit counts, right?

Now let's talk about disposable diapers.

Like wipes, most diapers have been bleached with chlorine. Some people worry that the crystals used to absorb urine may be harmful. These crystals, called sodium polyacrylate, were previously used in tampons until the mid - 80's. Reports linked it to toxic shock syndrome.

Diapers also release a toxin called dioxin into the air when manufactured. It takes enormous amounts of water and power to produce diapers. They fill up our landfills and take roughly 500 years to decompose - under the right conditions. That's A LOT of poop! In the meantime, all sorts of nastiness can leach out into our soil and waterways, threatening us all. Studies have linked asthma in children to the inhalation of the chemicals in diapers.

If you want an alternative to toxic disposable diapers, I suggest you do your homework. There are a few different kinds, used different ways. Organic, or not? Cloth, or ones with a changeable middle. If you use a diaper service, make sure they are green. No diaper is perfect, but it most certainly will be better! Shop around and your wallet will be happier, too!

See you here next week.

And don't forget...every little bit helps!
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Five Ways to be a Little Greener

Have you ever wondered, "How much of a difference can just one person make?" The answer is more than you might think. Whatever your cause, when YOU strive to make things better, it's not just YOUR life that is being affected. You, in turn, affect everything you touch.

1. Remember the three R's. Reduce, reuse, recycle. I keep used paper for my daughter to draw on the back before it gets recycled. It helps my wallet, too!

2. Use reusable shopping bags. Some stores give you discounts/rewards points for doing this and they are great for more than just grocery bags.

3. Watch your water usage. Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth. Do you really need that much water pressure in the shower/at the sink? Some people turn the water off while soaping up.

4. Use less energy. Turn off lights and electronics when not in that room. Read up on "vampire electronics." http://articles.cnn.com/2006-12-12/us/vampire.electronics_1_vampire-electronics-electric-toothbrushes-three-watts?_s=PM:US

5. Buy local and organic, if you can. Not only are you helping the environment, but you are also keeping toxic chemicals out of your body. FYI-those strawberries we've all eaten last summer are covered in pesticides!

And remember...a little green always helps!
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10-10-10 will be the first-ever National Non-GMO day! The majority of consumers want to know what's in their food! Get the info today.

What are GMO's? I'm glad you asked!

GMO stands for genetically modified organism, plant or animal. It is basically genetic mutation. Genes are added or taken away from a species to create a new one. The species that are crossed are ones that would never cross in nature. A GMO is also referred to as a GEO(genetically engineered organism). GM and GE are also used. You've probably eaten them without even knowing!

The safety of GMOs in our food chain has been questioned by several environmental groups. Some worry that GMOs could introduce new allergens into our foods, or contribute to antibiotic resistance. Consumption is discouraged, claiming that GM foods are unnatural and therefore unsafe. These products must now be tested before human consumption. Many countries have banned GMOs.

Along with this, is the issue of messing with Mother Nature. Should we, or shouldn't we? Scientific studies show that GMOS may also harm biodiversity and cause irreversible damage to crops. There are so many reasons to be against GMOs that it's easy to say "NO!" If you feel this way too, then make sure to support labeling of GM foods.

See you here next week.

And remember, every little bit helps!

For more info on GMOs and National Non-GMO day, check out the links below.

www.nongmoproject.org

www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/26/gm-food-battle-salmon

www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/12/monsantos-gmo-corn-linked_n_420365.html

Dora the Explorer, Diego & Sesame Street toys RECALLED!!!
There was a huge toy recall from Fisher-Price this week. 11 million products were recalled. More info at http://service.mattel.com/us/recall/default.asp?recall_id=52430

Hats off to these teens! Check the story out below.
www.lemondrop.com/2010/10/01/abercrombie-fitch-perfume/?icid=main|main|dl5|sec3_lnk3|174758

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Welcome to my site!

Hi. My name is Chrystal.

I live in beautiful southern California with my family and dog, Logan. Since my teens, I have been interested in the environment and animal rights. I admit that I am not the perfect example of a person who believes in those causes, but I believe every little bit helps. I'm currently unable to compost where I live, but I do (reduce, reuse, recycle). I am not a vegetarian, but have cut meat usage in my family by 80%. (My spouse is a meat lover).

In the past, I have been criticized for not supporting these causes to the extreme. Unfortunately, for whatever reasons, not everyone can do that all of the time.

I believe it is better to do something, rather than nothing at all. If everyone did a little bit, we would see the demand for a better future. Eventually, it would make it easier to change to a better lifestyle. Every person can make a difference and we all do it in different ways!

There were so many changes I wanted to make, I had no idea that I would find a new challenge-the chemicals in everyday products.

Have you ever wondered what's in that soap you are putting on your body, or what is in the wipes you are cleaning your baby with? These are the questions I started asking when I had a child. I knew there were products to avoid due to animal ingredients, but didn't know that the chemicals themselves could be toxic. It never crossed my mind that toxic chemicals were allowed in products we use everyday.

I began to research products in our home and was shocked by my findings. We were putting toxic substances on and in to our bodies every day. Our shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and deodorant. The cans and bottles our food came from the grocery store in. I was floored. Thus began my quest to make our lives chemical-free.

So much easier said then done. Have you ever noticed that healthier = pricier at the store? I can't pay $8.00 a bottle for planet/animal friendly, chemical-free hand soap, so I shop around. On top of having to shop around, I soon discovered that there is a lot of green-washed companies out there. Imagine the disappointment of getting a new product, wanting to make your family healthier, only to find out it is just as bad or worse than your current one!

If I was never aware of these toxins, how many more people out there had no clue they were exposing themselves every day? Turns out, a lot! I do not like to preach, but i do feel people need to know. And that is how you have come to find me here-just doing what I can to pass the info along.

I will be blogging on anything from green topics to animal rights to chemicals, and maybe more. Whether you have just discovered the "green" world, or have been involved in it for a while, all are welcome here. Check out my sight and feel free to leave a comment below. I hope it helps to make a better life for you and your loved ones.

And remember...a little green always helps!

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